U.S. patent application number 16/988910 was filed with the patent office on 2021-05-13 for display device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to MYUNGAN MIN.
Application Number | 20210141418 16/988910 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005018532 |
Filed Date | 2021-05-13 |
![](/patent/app/20210141418/US20210141418A1-20210513\US20210141418A1-2021051)
United States Patent
Application |
20210141418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MIN; MYUNGAN |
May 13, 2021 |
DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
A display device includes a display module in which a folding
area, a first non-folding area, and a second non-folding area are
defined, and a cover panel coupled to a surface of the display
module. The cover panel includes a first support plate which
supports the first non-folding area, a second support plate spaced
apart from the first support plate and which supports the second
non-folding area, and an adhesive layer disposed between the
display module and first and second support plates and which
couples the first and second support plates to the display module.
The adhesive layer has a first surface in contact with the first
and second support plates, the first surface has a pattern area in
which an uneven pattern is formed, and the pattern area overlaps
the folding area.
Inventors: |
MIN; MYUNGAN; (Cheonan-si,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-Si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005018532 |
Appl. No.: |
16/988910 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05K 5/0017 20130101;
G06F 1/1616 20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101; G06F 1/1656
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; H05K 5/00 20060101 H05K005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 7, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0141853 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: a display module which displays an
image, wherein a folding area foldable with respect to a folding
axis, a first non-folding area adjacent to a first side of the
folding area, and a second non-folding area adjacent to a second
side of the folding area are defined in a display module on a
plane; and a cover panel coupled to a surface of the display
module, wherein the cover panel comprises: a first support plate
which supports the first non-folding area; a second support plate
which supports the second non-folding area and is spaced apart from
the first support plate; and an adhesive layer disposed between the
display module and first and second support plates, wherein the
adhesive layer couples the first and second support plates to the
display module, wherein the adhesive layer has a first surface in
contact with the first and second support plates, the first surface
has a pattern area in which an uneven pattern is defined, and the
pattern area overlaps the folding area.
2. The display device of claim 1, wherein when the display module
is in an unfolded state, the folding area is disposed between the
first and second non-folding areas in a first direction, and the
folding axis extends in a second direction crossing the first
direction, wherein the first and second support plates are spaced
apart from each other in the first direction.
3. The display device of claim 2, wherein a portion of the first
support plate overlaps a portion of the pattern area, and a portion
of the second support plate overlaps another portion of the pattern
area.
4. The display device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer
comprises a first non-pattern area adjacent to a side of the
pattern area and a second non-pattern area adjacent to an opposing
side of the pattern area, wherein the first non-pattern area
corresponds to the first non-folding area of the display module,
and the second non-pattern area corresponds to the second
non-folding area of the display module.
5. The display device of claim 4, wherein an adhesive strength of
the pattern area of the adhesive layer is less than an adhesive
strength of the first and second non-pattern areas.
6. The display device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer
comprises a thermosetting resin or a photocurable resin.
7. The display device of claim 6, wherein the pattern area of the
adhesive layer is formed by being cured through at least one
selected from a heat and a light.
8. The display device of claim 1, wherein the cover panel further
comprises a buffer film disposed between the display module and the
adhesive layer.
9. The display device of claim 8, wherein the cover panel further
comprises a buffer film adhesive layer which couples the display
module to an upper surface of the buffer film, and a lower surface
of the buffer film is disposed on a second surface of the adhesive
layer opposite to the first surface of the adhesive layer.
10. The display device of claim 1, wherein the display module
comprises: a display panel which displays the image; and a window
module disposed on an upper surface of the display panel.
11. The display device of claim 10, wherein the display module
further comprises: a protective film disposed on a lower surface of
the display panel.
12. The display device of claim 1, wherein the folding area of the
display module is in-folded in a way such that display surfaces,
which displays the image, face each other.
13. A display device comprising: a display module which displays an
image, wherein a folding area foldable with respect to a folding
axis, a first non-folding area adjacent to a side of the folding
area, and a second non-folding area adjacent to an opposing side of
the folding area are defined in the display module on a plane; and
a cover panel coupled to a surface of the display module, wherein
the cover panel comprises: a first support plate which supports the
first non-folding area; a second support plate which supports the
second non-folding area and is spaced apart from the first support
plate; and an adhesive layer disposed between the display module
and first and second support plates, wherein the adhesive layer
couples the first and second support plates to the display module,
wherein the first and second support plates have surfaces in
contact with the adhesive layer, and a first uneven pattern and a
second uneven pattern are defined respectively on the surfaces of
the first and second support plates, which are in contact with the
adhesive layer, and wherein the first and second uneven patterns
overlap the folding area.
14. The display device of claim 13, wherein when the display module
is in an unfolded state, the folding area is disposed between the
first and second non-folding areas in a first direction, and the
folding axis extends in a second direction crossing the first
direction, wherein the first and second support plates are spaced
apart from each other in the first direction.
15. A method for manufacturing a display device, the method
comprising: preparing a display module which displays an image,
wherein a folding area foldable with respect to a folding axis and
first and second non-folding areas respectively adjacent to
opposing sides of the folding area are defined in the display
module on a plane; disposing an adhesive layer on a lower surface
of the display module; forming an uneven pattern in a pattern area
of the adhesive layer; curing the pattern area of the adhesive
layer; and disposing first and second support plates, on a surface
of the adhesive layer, to be spaced apart from each other, wherein
the pattern area of the adhesive layer overlaps the non-folding
areas of the display module, and a portion of the first support
plate overlaps a first section of the pattern area, and a portion
of the second support plate overlaps a second section of the
pattern area.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein when the display module is in
an unfolded state, the folding area is disposed between the first
and second non-folding areas in a first direction, and the folding
axis extends in a second direction crossing the first direction,
wherein the first and second support plates are spaced apart from
each other in the first direction.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a
thermosetting resin or a photocurable resin.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a
first non-pattern area adjacent to a side of the pattern area and a
second non-pattern area adjacent to an opposing side of the pattern
area, wherein the curing the pattern area of the adhesive layer
comprises: preparing first and second masks below the surface of
the adhesive layer; and irradiating the pattern area of the
adhesive layer with light, wherein the first mask is disposed to
overlap the first non-pattern area, and the second mask is disposed
to overlap the second non-pattern area.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein an adhesive strength of the
pattern area after the curing of the pattern area is less than an
adhesive strength of the first and second non-pattern areas.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the display module comprises: a
display panel which displays an image; and a protective film
disposed on a lower surface of the display panel.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2019-0141853, filed on Nov. 7, 2019, and all the
benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119, the content
of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] The disclosure herein relates to a display device, and more
particularly, to a foldable display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Electronic apparatuses, such as televisions, mobile phones,
tablet computers, navigation devices and game consoles, may include
a display device for providing information.
[0004] Recently, with the technological development for the display
device, various types of display device have been developed. For
example, flexible display devices, which may be folded (or bent) or
rolled, have been developed. The flexible display devices having
diversely deformable shapes are easy to carry and may improve
user's convenience.
SUMMARY
[0005] The disclosure provides a display device with improved
durability.
[0006] An embodiment of the invention provides a display device
including: a display module which displays an image, where a
folding area foldable with respect to a folding axis, a first
non-folding area adjacent to a first side of the folding area, and
a second non-folding area adjacent to a second side of the folding
area are defined in the display module on a plane; and a cover
panel coupled to a surface of the display module. In such an
embodiment, the cover panel includes: a first support plate which
supports the first non-folding area; a second support plate which
supports the second non-folding area and is spaced apart from the
first support plate; and an adhesive layer disposed between the
display module and first and second support plates, where the
adhesive layer couples the first and second support plates to the
display module. In such an embodiment, the adhesive layer has a
first surface in contact with the first and second support plates,
the first surface has a pattern area in which an uneven pattern is
defined, and the pattern area overlaps the folding area.
[0007] In an embodiment, when the display module is in an unfolded
state, the folding area may be disposed between the first and
second non-folding areas in a first direction, and the folding axis
may extend in a second direction crossing the first direction,
where the first and second support plates may be spaced apart from
each other in the first direction.
[0008] In an embodiment, a portion of the first support plate may
overlap a portion of the pattern area, and a portion of the second
support plate may overlap another portion of the pattern area.
[0009] In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may include a first
non-pattern area adjacent to a side of the pattern area and a
second non-pattern area adjacent to an opposing side of the pattern
area, where the first non-pattern area may correspond to the first
non-folding area of the display module, and the second non-pattern
area may correspond to the second non-folding area of the display
module.
[0010] In an embodiment, an adhesive strength of the pattern area
of the adhesive layer may be less than an adhesive strength of the
first and second non-pattern areas.
[0011] In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may include a
thermosetting resin or a photocurable resin.
[0012] In an embodiment, the pattern area of the adhesive layer may
be formed by being cured through at least one of heat or light.
[0013] In an embodiment, the cover panel may further include a
buffer film disposed between the display module and the adhesive
layer.
[0014] In an embodiment, the cover panel may further include a
buffer film adhesive layer which couples the display module to an
upper surface of the buffer film, and a lower surface of the buffer
film may be disposed on a second surface of the adhesive layer
opposite to the first surface of the adhesive layer.
[0015] In an embodiment, the display module may include: a display
panel which displays the image; and a window module disposed on an
upper surface of the display panel.
[0016] In an embodiment, the display module may further include a
functional layer disposed between the window module and the display
panel.
[0017] In an embodiment, the display module may further include a
protective film disposed on a lower surface of the display
panel.
[0018] In an embodiment, the folding area of the display module may
be in-folded in a way such that display surfaces, which display the
image, face each other.
[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, a display device
includes: a display module which displays an image, wherein a
folding area foldable with respect to a folding axis, a first
non-folding area adjacent to a side of the folding area, and a
second non-folding area adjacent to an opposing side of the folding
area are defined in the display module on a plane; and a cover
panel coupled to a surface of the display module. In such an
embodiment, the cover panel includes: a first support plate which
supports the first non-folding area; a second support plate which
supports the second non-folding area and is spaced apart from the
first support plate; and an adhesive layer disposed between the
display module and first and second support plates, where the
adhesive layer couples the first and second support plates to the
display module. In such an embodiment, the first and second support
plates have surfaces in contact with the adhesive layer, and a
first uneven pattern and a second uneven pattern are defined
respectively on the surfaces of the first and second support
plates, which are in contact with the adhesive layer, and the first
and second uneven patterns overlap the folding area.
[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, a method for
manufacturing a display device includes: preparing a display module
which displays an image, where a folding area foldable with respect
to a folding axis and first and second non-folding areas
respectively adjacent to opposing sides of the folding area are
defined in the display module on a plane; disposing an adhesive
layer on a lower surface of the display module; forming an uneven
pattern in a pattern area of the adhesive layer; curing the pattern
area of the adhesive layer; and disposing first and second support
plates, on a surface of the adhesive layer, to be spaced apart from
each other. In such an embodiment, the pattern area of the adhesive
layer overlaps the non-folding areas of the display module, and a
portion of the first support plate overlaps a first section of the
pattern area, and a portion of the second support plate overlaps a
second section of the pattern area.
[0021] In an embodiment, when the display module is in an unfolded
state, the folding area may be disposed between the first and
second non-folding areas in a first direction, and the folding axis
may extend in a second direction crossing the first direction,
where the first and second support plates may be spaced apart from
each other in the first direction.
[0022] In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may include a
thermosetting resin or a photocurable resin.
[0023] In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may include a first
non-pattern area adjacent to a side of the pattern area and a
second non-pattern area adjacent to an opposing side of the pattern
area. In such an embodiment, the curing the pattern area of the
adhesive layer may include: preparing first and second masks below
the surface of the adhesive layer; and irradiating the pattern area
of the adhesive layer with light. The first mask may be disposed to
overlap the first non-pattern area, and the second mask may be
disposed to overlap the second non-pattern area.
[0024] In an embodiment, an adhesive strength of the pattern area
after the curing of the pattern area may be less than an adhesive
strength of the first and second non-pattern areas.
[0025] In an embodiment, the display module may include: a display
panel which displays an image; and a protective film disposed on a
lower surface of the display panel.
[0026] In an embodiment, the folding area of the display module may
be in-folded in a way such that display surfaces, which display the
image, face each other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate
exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain principles of the invention. In the
drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 2A is a view illustrating the display device of FIG. 1
in a state in which the display device is in-folded along a first
folding axis;
[0030] FIG. 2B is a view illustrating the display device of FIG. 1
a state in which the display device is out-folded along the first
folding axis;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a view illustrating the display device of FIG. 1
a state in which the display device is in-folded along a second
folding axis;
[0032] FIG. 3B is a view illustrating the display device of FIG. 1
a state in which the display device is out-folded along the second
folding axis;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a display module according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the display module of FIG. 4;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of
FIG. 5;
[0036] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a display device
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of
FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a folding area of a cover
panel of FIG. 8A;
[0039] FIG. 8C is a partial enlarged view illustrating the display
device of FIG. 8A in a state in which the display is in-folded with
respect to a first folding axis;
[0040] FIGS. 9A to 9E are views illustrating the bottom surfaces of
various embodiments of a fourth adhesive layer;
[0041] FIGS. 10A to 10D are cross-sectional views illustrating a
process for manufacturing a display device according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a display device
according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of a folding area of a cover
panel of FIG. 11A; and
[0044] FIG. 11C is a view illustrating the display device of FIG.
11A in a state in which the display device is in-folded with
respect to a first folding axis.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various
embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the art.
[0046] Although the terms such as first and second are used to
describe various components, these components should not be limited
by these terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one
component from other components. For example, a first component may
be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second
component may be referred to as a first component without departing
from the scope of the invention. The expression of a singular form
includes plural forms unless definitely indicating a particular
case in terms of the context.
[0047] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on"
another element or layer, it can be directly on another element or
layer, or intervening elements or layers may also be present. In
contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on"
another element, there are no intervening elements or layers
present. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one
or more of the associated listed items.
[0048] Spatially relative terms, such as "below", "beneath",
"lower", "above", "upper", and the like, may be used herein for
ease of description to describe one element or feature's
relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in
the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative
terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted
in the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout.
[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended
to include the plural forms, including "at least one," unless the
content clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and/or." As used
herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one
or more of the associated listed items. It will be further
understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," or
"includes" and/or "including" when used in this specification,
specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, regions,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof.
[0051] The embodiments in this specification will be described with
reference to plan views and cross-sectional views as ideal
schematic views of the invention. Accordingly, shapes of the
exemplary views may be modified according to manufacturing
techniques and/or allowable errors. Therefore, the embodiments of
the invention are not limited to the predetermined shape
illustrated in the exemplary views, but may include other shapes
that are created according to manufacturing processes. Thus, areas
exemplified in the drawings have general properties, and shapes of
the exemplified areas are used to illustrate a predetermined shape
of a device region. Thus, this should not be construed as limited
to the scope of the invention.
[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a display device DD
has a short side in a first direction DR1 and a long side in a
second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. However, the
shape of the display device DD is not limited thereto, and the
display device DD may be modified to have one of various
shapes.
[0055] The display device DD may be a folding-type (foldable)
electronic device. In an embodiment, the display device DD may be
folded with respect to folding axes FX1 and FX2 extending in
predetermined directions. Hereinafter, a state in which the display
device is folded with respect to the folding axes FX1 and FX2 is
defined as a folding state, and a state in which the display device
is unfolded is defined as a non-folding state.
[0056] The folding axis FX1 or FX2 may extend in the first
direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. In an embodiment of the
invention, a folding axis extending in the second direction DR2 is
defined as the first folding axis FX1, and a folding axis extending
in the first direction DR1 is defined as the second folding axis
FX2. The display device DD may include a single folding axis
selected from the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding
axis FX2. That is, the display device DD may be folded with respect
to one of the first folding axis FX1 and the second folding axis
FX2. Herein, a folding axis may be an imaginary axis with which the
display device is folded or unfolded.
[0057] In an embodiment, the display device DD may be
small-to-medium scale electronic devices, such as mobile phones,
tablets, vehicular navigation devices, or game consoles, as well as
large scale electronic devices, such as televisions, or monitors.
These are merely exemplary, and thus may be employed in other
electronic devices as long as not departing from the invention.
[0058] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the display
device DD may display, in a third direction DR3, an image IM on a
display surface IS which is parallel to each of the first direction
DR1 and the second direction DR2. The display surface IS on which
the image IM is displayed may correspond to a front surface of the
display device DD.
[0059] The display surface IS of the display device DD may be
divided into a plurality of regions. A display area DA and a
non-display area NDA may be defined on the display surface IS of
the display device DD.
[0060] The display area DA may be a region on which the image IM is
displayed, and the image IM is viewed through the display area DA
by a user. The display area DA may have a tetragonal shape. The
non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. Accordingly,
the shape of the display area DA may be defined substantially by
the non-display area NDA. However, this is merely exemplary, and
alternatively, the non-display area NDA may be disposed adjacent to
only one side of the display area DA, or omitted. In an embodiment,
the display device DD may be various modified and is not limited to
one embodiment.
[0061] The non-display area NDA is a region adjacent to the display
area DA, and the image IM is not displayed thereon. A bezel area of
the display device DD may be defined by the non-display area
NDA.
[0062] The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA.
However, this is merely exemplary. Alternatively, the non-display
area NDA may be defined to be adjacent to only a portion of an edge
of the display area DA, and is not limited to one embodiment.
[0063] In an embodiment, the display device DD may sense a user's
input thereon. In one embodiment, for example, the input of a user
includes various types of external inputs such as a touch by a
portion of the user's body, light, heat, or pressure. In an
embodiment, the input of a user may include an input generated by
using a mechanism such as a touch pen or a stylus pen. In an
embodiment, the display device DD may also sense the user's input
applied to a side surface or a bottom surface of the display device
DD depending on a structure of the display device DD, and is not
limited to one embodiment.
[0064] FIG. 2A is a view illustrating the display device of FIG. 1
in a state in which the display device is in-folded along the first
folding axis FX1, and FIG. 2B is a view illustrating the display
device of FIG. 1 in a state in which the display device is
out-folded along the first folding axis FX1.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2A, an embodiment of the display
device DD may be in-folded with respect to the first folding axis
FX1.
[0066] In such an embodiment of the display device DD, a plurality
of regions may be defined according to the types of operations. The
plurality of the regions may be divided into a folding area FA and
one or more non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The folding area FA
may be defined between two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2.
[0067] In an embodiment of the invention, the non-folding areas
NFA1 and NFA2 may include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a
second non-folding area NFA2, for example. The first non-folding
area NFA1 is adjacent to a side of the folding area FA in the first
direction DR1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 is adjacent to
an opposing side of the folding area FA in the first direction
DR1.
[0068] The display device DD may be out-folded or in-folded. Here,
the in-folding indicates that the display device DD is folded so
that regions of the display surface IS face each other, and the
out-folding indicates that the display device DD is folded so that
regions of the rear surface thereof face each other.
[0069] The folding area FA is a region which is folded on the basis
of the first folding axis FX1 and substantially forms curvature.
Here, the first folding axis FX1 may extend in the second direction
DR2, that is, in a direction (a long side direction) parallel to
the long side of the display device DD.
[0070] The display device DD of FIG. 2A may be in-folded so that
the display surface IS of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the
display surface IS of the second non-folding area NFA2 face each
other.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 2B, the display device DD may be
out-folded with respect to the first folding axis FX1. When the
display device DD is out-folded, the display surface IS may be
exposed to the outside.
[0072] In an embodiment, the display device DD may be both
in-folded and out-folded. For convenience of description,
embodiments where the display device DD is either in-folded or
out-folded will hereinafter be described in detail.
[0073] FIG. 3A is a view illustrating the display device of FIG. 1
in a state in which the display device is in-folded along the
second folding axis FX2, and FIG. 3B is a view illustrating the
display device of FIG. 1 in a state in which the display device is
out-folded along the second folding axis FX2.
[0074] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, an embodiment of the display
device
[0075] DD may be in-folded or out-folded with respect to the second
folding axis FX2. The second folding axis FX2 may extend in the
first direction DR1, and this direction may be a direction (a short
direction) parallel to the short side of the display device DD.
[0076] In an embodiment, a single folding area FA is defined in the
display device DD, but the embodiment of the invention is not
limited thereto. According to an alternative embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of folding areas may be defined in the
display device DD.
[0077] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a display module according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a display module DM
according to the invention may include a display panel DP for
displaying an image and a window module WM disposed on the display
panel DP. The display module DM constitutes a portion of the
display device DD (illustrated in FIG. 1), and particularly, the
display module DM may provide the display surface IS (see FIG. 1)
of the display device DD.
[0079] The display panel DP may be a flexible display panel.
Accordingly, the display panel DP may be folded or unfolded with
respect to a first folding axis FX1. In an embodiment of the
invention, the display panel DP may be an organic light emitting
display panel, for example.
[0080] The display panel DP may be divided into a folding area FA,
a first non-folding area NFA1, and a second non-folding area NFA2.
In an embodiment, the display panel DP may be divided into a
non-bending area NBA and a bending area BA. The folding area FA,
the first non-folding area NFA1, and a portion of the second
non-folding area NFA2 of the display panel DP may be included in
the non-bending area NBA, and the remaining portions of the second
non-folding area NFA2 may be included in the bending area BA. The
bending area BA will be described later in greater detail.
[0081] The upper surface of the window module WM defines the
display surface IS of the display device DD of FIG. 1. The window
module WM may be optically transparent. Accordingly, an image
generated in the display panel DP passes through the window module
WM, and thus may be easily recognized by a user.
[0082] The window module WM may include or be made of a flexible
material. Accordingly, the window module WM may be folded or
unfolded with respect to the first folding axis FX1. In such an
embodiment, when the shape of the display panel DP is deformed, the
shape of the window module WM may be deformed together
therewith.
[0083] The window module WM reduces or absorbs external impact as
well as allows the image from the display panel DP to pass
therethrough, and thus prevents the display panel DP from being
damaged or malfunctioning due to external impact. The external
impact may be a force from the outside expressed as a pressure, a
stress, or the like, and indicate a force that causes defects of
the display panel DP. The window module WM may prevent a failure of
the display panel DP by reducing bending deformation, and
compressive deformation and/or tensile deformation of the display
panel DP due to a point impact or a surface impact.
[0084] A functional layer FC may be disposed between the display
panel DP and the window module WM. In an embodiment of the
invention, the functional layer FC may include a reflection
prevention layer for blocking the reflection of the external light.
The reflection prevention layer may prevent elements constituting
the display device DD from being visible from the outside due to
the external light that is incident through the front surface of
the display device DD. The reflection prevention layer may include
a polarization film and/or a phase delay film. The number of the
phase delay films and the phase delay length (.lamda./4 or
.lamda./2) of the phase delay film may be determined according to
the operation principle of the reflection prevention layer.
[0085] The functional layer FC may further include an input sensing
layer for sensing an input TC (see FIG. 1) of a user. In an
embodiment, the input sensing layer may be formed as a layer
separated from the display panel DP and coupled thereto through an
adhesive layer. Alternatively, an input sensing unit may be
integrated with the display panel DP through a continuous process.
In such an embodiment, the input sensing unit may be disposed
directly on a thin film encapsulation layer (not shown) of the
display panel DP. Here, "being disposed directly on" means that the
input sensing unit is disposed on the display panel DP without an
additional adhesive member. In an embodiment, the input sensing
unit is disposed on the upper surface of the display panel DP, but
is not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the input
sensing unit may be disposed on the lower surface of the display
panel.
[0086] The window module WM and the functional layer FC may be
adhered to each other through a first adhesive layer AL1. The
display panel DP and the functional layer FC may be adhered to each
other through a second adhesive layer AL2.
[0087] Each of the first adhesive layer AL1 and the second adhesive
layer AL2 may be optically transparent. Each of the first adhesive
layer AL1 and the second adhesive layer AL2 is an adhesive layer
manufactured by applying and curing a liquid-phase adhesive
material, or an adhesive sheet manufactured separately. In an
embodiment, for example, each of the first adhesive layer AL1 and
the second adhesive layer AL2 may be a pressure sensitive adhesive
("PSA"), an optical clear adhesive ("OCA"), or an optical clear
resin ("OCR").
[0088] A protective film PF may be disposed on the rear surface of
the display panel DP. The protective film PF may include a
polymeric material. The protective film PF may be a layer for
absorbing impact applied from the outside and protecting the
display panel DP against the impact. The protective film PF may be
adhered to the rear surface of the display panel DP through a third
adhesive layer AL3.
[0089] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the protective
film PF is disposed only on the rear surface of the display panel
DP, but the embodiment of the invention is not limited thereto. In
one alternative embodiment, for example, the display module DM may
further include an upper protective film disposed between the
display panel DP and the functional layer FC.
[0090] A material constituting the protective film PF is not
limited to a plastic or a resin, and may include an
organic/inorganic composite material. The protective film PF may
include a porous organic layer and inorganic substances filled into
the porosities of the organic layer.
[0091] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the display module of FIG. 4.
Herein, "a plan view" may mean a plan view in the third direction
DR3.
[0092] The display module DM of FIG. 5 may be in a state in which
the window module WM, the functional layer FC, the display panel
DP, and the protective film PF are coupled all together.
[0093] In an embodiment, the display module DM may further include
a flexible circuit board FCB connected to the display panel DP and
a driving chip DIC mounted on the flexible circuit board FCB. The
flexible circuit board FCB may be connected to a main circuit board
MCB. In such an embodiment, components such as a control chip and a
plurality of passive elements active elements may be mounted on the
main circuit board MCB. The main circuit board MCB may include or
be made of a flexible film like the flexible circuit board FCB.
[0094] In an embodiment, the display module DM includes a chip on
film ("COF") structure in which the driving chip DIC is mounted on
the flexible circuit board FCB. However, the embodiment of the
invention is not limited thereto. In one alternative embodiment,
for example, the display module DM may include a chip on panel
("COP") structure or a chip on glass ("COG") structure in which the
driving chip DIC is mounted on the display panel DP.
[0095] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of
FIG. 5.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an embodiment of the display
module DM may include the flexible display panel DP. In FIG. 6, the
display panel DP is schematically illustrated as a single layer for
convenience of illustration. Although not shown in the drawing, the
display panel DP may include a base layer, a circuit layer, a light
emitting element layer, and an encapsulation layer.
[0097] In an embodiment, the display panel DP may be divided into
the bending area BA and the non-bending area NBA. The non-bending
area NBA may be a region including a display area DA and a
non-display area NDA of the display panel DP. The folding area FA,
the first non-folding area NFA1, and the portion of the second
non-folding area NFA2 of the display panel DP may be included in
the non-bending area NBA, and the remaining portions of the second
non-folding area NFA2 may be included in the bending area BA. The
bending area BA of the display panel DP may be bent at a
predetermined curvature toward the rear surface of the display
panel DP.
[0098] The bending area BA may include a curvature area CA and a
facing area FAA. The curvature area CA is adjacent to the
non-bending area NBA and is a substantially bent region. The facing
area FAA is adjacent to the curvature area CA and faces the
non-bending area NBA in a bent state. The flexible circuit board
FCB is connected to the facing area FAA of the display panel
DP.
[0099] The protective film PF is disposed corresponding to both the
non-bending area NBA and the facing area FAA, and may be not
disposed in the curvature area CA. The bending open portion OPP may
be defined in the protective film PF to correspond to the curvature
area CA. In such an embodiment, the protective film PF is removed
from the curvature area CA, such that the occurrence of stress in
the curvature area CA when bent may be reduced. In such an
embodiment, where the bending open portion OPP is defined in the
protective film PF, a portion of the third adhesive layer AL3
corresponding to the bending open portion OPP may be removed.
[0100] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a protective
film PF may have a groove portion which is defined to correspond to
the curvature area CA. The protective film PF may be formed to be
thinner than other areas NBA and FAA.
[0101] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a display device
according to an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 8A is a
cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 7.
[0102] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8A, a display device DD includes a
display module DM and a cover panel CVP. The display module DM may
include the window module WM, the functional layer FC, the display
panel DP, and the protective film PF, as illustrated in FIG. 4. In
such an embodiment, the display module DM may have the same
structure as the display module DM described above with reference
to FIGS. 4 and 5, and any repetitive detailed description of the
display module DM will be omitted.
[0103] The cover panel CVP is disposed below the display module DM.
The cover panel CVP may be coupled to the bottom surface of the
display module DM. The cover panel CVP may support the bottom
surface of the display module DM.
[0104] The cover panel CVP may have a structure in which a
plurality of layers are laminated one on another in a third
direction DR3.
[0105] In an embodiment of the invention, the cover panel CVP may
include a support plate SP and a fourth adhesive layer AL4. The
support plate SP is disposed on the bottom surface of the display
module DM. The support plate SP may be a metal plate. In one
embodiment, for example, the support plate SP may be a
stainless-steel plate. The strength of the support plate SP may be
greater than the strength of the display module DM.
[0106] The support plate SP may include a first plate SP1 for
supporting a first non-folding area NFA1 of the display module DM
and a second plate SP2 for supporting a second non-folding area
NFA2 of the display module DM. Each of the first and second support
plates SP1 and SP2 may have a plate shape.
[0107] The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2
may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1. The
first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be
spaced apart from each other, corresponding to the folding area FA.
The first support plate SP1 may overlap a portion of the folding
area FA, and the second support plate SP2 may overlap a portion of
the folding area FA. In such an embodiment, the spaced distance in
the first direction DR1 between the first support plate SP1 and the
second support plate SP2 may be less than the width of the folding
area FA.
[0108] The fourth adhesive layer AL4 is disposed between the
support plate SP and the display module DM. The fourth adhesive
layer AL4 may be disposed corresponding to the entire bottom
surface of the display module DM.
[0109] The cover panel CVP further includes a buffer film BF and a
fifth adhesive layer AL5. The buffer film BF is provided between
the fourth adhesive layer AL4 and the display module DM. The buffer
film BF may include a polymeric material. The buffer film BF may be
a layer for absorbing impact applied from the outside. The buffer
film BF may include at least one material selected from
polyurethane, plastic polyurethane, and urethane rubber. The buffer
film BF may be adhered to the bottom surface of the display module
DM through the fifth adhesive layer AL5. In an alternative
embodiment, the fifth adhesive layer AL5 and the buffer film BF may
be omitted.
[0110] FIGS. 7 and 8A illustrate an embodiment having a structure
of the buffer film BF composed of a single layer, but the
embodiment of the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively,
the buffer film BF may include a plurality of layers, and the
position thereof is not limited to the position described
above.
[0111] The support plate SP may be fixed to the buffer film BF by
the fourth adhesive layer AL4. The support plate SP may be attached
to the bottom surface of the buffer film BF by the fourth adhesive
layer AL4. The fourth adhesive layer AL4 and the buffer film BF may
be formed entirely on the folding area FA and the first and second
non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2.
[0112] The fifth adhesive layer AL5 is disposed between the buffer
film BF and the display module DM, and thus the buffer film BF is
attached to the bottom surface of the display module DM.
[0113] Each of the fourth and fifth adhesive layers AL4 and AL5 may
be optically transparent. Each of the fourth and fifth adhesive
layers AL4 and AL5 is an adhesive layer manufactured by applying
and curing a liquid-phase adhesive material, or an adhesive sheet
manufactured separately. In one embodiment, for example, each of
the fourth and fifth adhesive layers AL4 and AL5 may be a PSA, an
OCA, or an OCR.
[0114] FIGS. 7 and 8A illustrate an embodiment in which the support
plate SP is defined by the two support plates SP1 and SP2 spaced
apart from each other, but the embodiment of the invention is not
limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, where the number of
the folding axes FX1 increases, the support plate SP may be
provided with a plurality of support plates which are separated
with respect to the folding axes FX1. The first and second support
plates SP1 and SP2 may be disposed corresponding to the non-folding
areas, respectively.
[0115] When a curvature area CA of the display module DM is bent, a
facing area FAA faces a non-bending area NBA, and a circuit board
FCB and a main circuit board MCB connected to the facing area FAA
are disposed aligned with the non-bending area NBA of the display
panel DP. The first and second support plates SP1 and SP2 may be
disposed overlapping the non-bending area NBA. Also, after display
module DM is bent, the circuit board FCB and the main circuit board
MCB may be disposed on the bottom surface of the second support
plate SP2.
[0116] In an embodiment, although not shown, the display device DD
may further include an adhesive layer for attaching the circuit
board FCB and the main circuit board MCB to the second support
plate SP2. Thus, in such an embodiment, the circuit board FCB and
the main circuit board MCB may be fixed to the bottom surface of
the second support plate SP2.
[0117] In an embodiment, although not shown, the display device DD
may further include a rear case disposed below the support plate
SP, and components for operating the display device DD, such as a
battery and a main PCB, may be mounted in a space between the
support plate SP and the rear case.
[0118] FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of the folding area FA of the
cover panel CVP of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a partial enlarged view
illustrating the display device DD of FIG. 8A in a state in which
the display device DD is in-folded with respect to the first
folding axis FX1.
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 8B and 8C, the bottom surface of the
fourth adhesive layer AL4 includes an uneven pattern UEP in the
folding area FA. The uneven pattern UEP includes a first uneven
pattern UEP1, a second uneven pattern UEP2, and a third uneven
pattern UEP3. The first uneven pattern UEP1, the second uneven
pattern UEP2, and the third uneven pattern UEP3 have a same shape
as each other, but the embodiment of the invention is not limited
thereto. In one alternative embodiment, for example, the first
uneven pattern UEP1 and the second uneven pattern UEP2 have a same
shape as each other, but the third uneven pattern UEP3 may have a
different shape from the first uneven pattern UEP1 and the second
uneven pattern UEP2. In another alternative embodiment, the first
uneven pattern UEP1, the second uneven pattern UEP2, and the third
uneven pattern UEP3 have shapes different from each other.
[0120] The first uneven pattern UEP1 of the fourth adhesive layer
AL4 overlaps the first support plate SP1. The first uneven pattern
UEP1 of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may have a sawtooth-like
shape, which is formed in the third direction DR3, to minimize the
adhesion surface area with the first support plate SP1.
[0121] The second uneven pattern UEP2 of the fourth adhesive layer
AL4 overlaps the second support plate SP2. The second uneven
pattern UEP2 of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may have a
sawtooth-like shape, which is formed in the third direction DR3, to
minimize the adhesion surface area with the second support plate
SP2.
[0122] In a state in which the display device DD is unfolded, the
first uneven pattern UEP1 and the second uneven pattern UEP2 of the
fourth adhesive layer AL4 are in contact with the first support SP1
and the second support plate SP2, respectively, as shown in FIG.
8B.
[0123] In a state in which the display device DD is in-folded with
respect to the first folding axis FX1 as illustrated in FIG. 8C,
the first uneven pattern UEP1 and the second uneven pattern UEP2 of
the fourth adhesive layer AL4 are spaced apart from the first
support SP1 and the second support plate SP2, as shown in FIG.
8C.
[0124] In an embodiment, the fourth adhesive layer AL4 include or
is made of a material having an adhesive force to fix the first
support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 to the buffer
film BF. In the folding area FA, the folding area of the fourth
adhesive layer AL4 may be thermally cured or photo-cured to reduce
the adhesive force of the fourth adhesive layer AL4. However, the
adhesive force of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be maintained
at a certain degree, even after the curing process is performed. In
an embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface of the fourth
adhesive layer AL4 includes the uneven pattern UEP in the folding
area FA. The uneven pattern UEP of the fourth adhesive layer AL4
may minimize the contact surface area between the fourth adhesive
layer AL4 and the first and second support plates SP1 and SP2 in
the folding area FA. Thus, when the display device DD is in-folded
with respect to the first folding axis FX1, the first support plate
SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be easily separated from
the fourth adhesive layer AL4 in the folding area FA.
[0125] In an embodiment, undesired particles may be introduced
between the first support plate SP1 and the second support plate
SP2 during a production process. Since the fourth adhesive layer
AL4 has the adhesive force, the introduced particles may be
attached to the fourth adhesive layer AL4. According to an
embodiment of the invention, since the fourth adhesive layer AL4
includes the uneven pattern UEP, the adhesion surface area with the
particles is minimized, and thus the adhesive strength between the
particles and the fourth adhesive layer AL4 is not strong. Thus,
the particles may be effectively separated from the fourth adhesive
layer AL4 by an air flow or an air gap between the particles and
the uneven pattern UEP of the fourth adhesive layer AL4.
[0126] FIGS. 9A to 9E are views illustrating the bottom surfaces of
various embodiments of a fourth adhesive layer AL4.
[0127] The bottom surfaces of embodiments of the fourth adhesive
layer AL4 illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9E have different uneven
patterns UEPa to UEPe in a pattern area PA. The uneven patterns
UEPa to UEPe may be patterns that may minimize the adhesion surface
area with a first support plate SP1 and a second support plate
SP2.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 9E, in an embodiment, the uneven pattern
UEPe may include a first uneven pattern UEPe1, a second uneven
pattern UEPe2, and a third uneven pattern UEPe3. The first uneven
pattern UEPe1 may overlap the first support plate SP1 of FIG. 7,
and the third uneven pattern UEPe3 may overlap the second support
plate SP2 of FIG. 7.
[0129] The first uneven pattern UEPe1 and the third uneven pattern
UEPe3 have a same shape as each other, and may have a shape for
minimizing the adhesion surface area with the first support plate
SP1 and the second support plate SP2. The second uneven pattern
UEPe2 may have a different shape from the first uneven pattern
UEPe1 and the third uneven pattern UEPe3.
[0130] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9E, the
shapes of the uneven patterns UEPa to UEPe formed in the pattern
area PA of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be variously modified.
In such an embodiment, a shape of the uneven pattern formed in the
pattern area PA of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 is not limited to
those illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9E. The pattern area PA of the
fourth adhesive layer AL4 overlaps the folding area FA of the
display module DM illustrated in FIG. 8A, and may have the
substantially same surface area as the folding area FA.
[0131] FIGS. 10A to 10D are cross-sectional views illustrating a
process for manufacturing a display device according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 10A, in an embodiment of a method of
manufacturing a display device, a display module DM is provided,
which displays an image and in which a folding area FA foldable
with respect to a virtual first folding axis FX1 and first and
second non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 respectively adjacent to
both sides of the folding area FA are defined on a plane.
[0133] Although not shown, a protective film may be attached to the
upper surface of the display module DM. The protective film may be
for preventing the upper surface of the display module DM from
being damaged during a manufacturing process and facilitating
handling during the manufacturing process. Since such a protective
film is removed in the manufacturing process, it is preferable that
the adhesive force between the protective film and the display
module DM is not strong. Although not shown, the protective film
may include an adhesive layer and a protective film base.
[0134] In an embodiment, a protective component PP may be provided,
In such an embodiment, the protective component PP may include a
first liner LNR1, a second liner LNR2, a fourth adhesive layer AL4,
a fifth adhesive layer AL5, and a buffer film BF.
[0135] The fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be disposed on the lower
surface of the buffer film BF, and the fifth adhesive layer AL5 may
be disposed on the upper surface of the buffer film BF. The fourth
adhesive layer AL4 may include a thermosetting resin or a
photocurable resin.
[0136] The first liner LNR1 and the second liner LNR2 may be
carrier films for preventing the fifth adhesive layer AL5 and the
fourth adhesive layer AL4 from being damaged, respectively, in a
manufacturing process and facilitating handling during the
manufacturing process. Since the first liner LNR1 and the second
liner LNR2 are removed in the manufacturing process, it is desired
that the adhesive forces between the first and second liners LNR1
and LNR2 and the fifth and fourth liners AL5 and AL4 are not
strong, respectively.
[0137] In such an embodiment, the first liner LNR1 of the
protective component PP is removed, and the protective component PP
is attached directly on the lower surface of the display module DM
by using the fifth adhesive layer AL5 of the protective component
PP.
[0138] In an embodiment, the display module DM may be in a state in
which the window module WM, the functional layer FC, the display
panel DP, and the protective film PF are coupled to one another as
illustrated in FIG. 6. In an alternative embodiment, the display
module DM may include only the display panel DP. In such an
embodiment, the protective component PP may be attached to the
bottom surface of the display panel DP by using the fifth adhesive
layer AL5 of the protective component PP.
[0139] In an embodiment, after the protective component PP is
attached to the display module DM, the second liner LNR2 may be
removed. In an alternative embodiment, the protective component PP
may not include the first liner LNR1 and the second liner LNR2. In
another alternative embodiment, the protective component PP may not
include the buffer film BF, and may include only the first liner
LNR1, the second liner LNR2, and the fourth adhesive layer AL4. In
such an embodiment, the first liner LNR1 and the second liner LNR2
may be disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the
fourth adhesive layer AL4, respectively. In such an embodiment, the
fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be attached directly to the lower
surface of the display module DM.
[0140] Referring to FIG. 10B, a pattern generating device JG is
disposed below the fourth adhesive layer AL4. The pattern
generating device JG may include an unevenness forming pattern
UEP_J on the upper surface thereof.
[0141] An uneven pattern may be formed, by using the pattern
generating device JG, in a pattern area PA of the fourth adhesive
layer AL4 corresponding to the folding area FA of the display
module DM. The fourth adhesive layer AL4 may include a material
having modulus that allows deformation due to an external force.
Thus, a temporary uneven pattern WRK may be formed on the lower
surface (a first surface) of the pattern area PA of the fourth
adhesive layer AL4 by pressing the unevenness forming pattern UEP_J
of the pattern generating device JG thereto.
[0142] Referring to FIG. 10C, the temporary uneven pattern WRK may
be formed on the lower surface of the pattern area PA of the fourth
adhesive layer AL4. Since the fourth adhesive layer AL4 has the
modulus that allows deformation due to an external force, the
temporary uneven pattern WRK may be in a deformable state.
[0143] The fourth adhesive layer AL4 includes a first non-pattern
area NPA1 adjacent to a side of the pattern area PA and a second
non-pattern area NPA2 adjacent to an opposing side of the pattern
area PA.
[0144] In an embodiment, a first mask MSK1 may be disposed below
the first non-pattern area NPA1, and a second mask MSK2 may be
disposed below the second non-pattern area NPA2. The first mask
MSK1 and the second mask MSK2 may include or be composed of a
material through which ultraviolet ("UV") light is not transmitted,
or a UV blocking material.
[0145] In such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10C, a light
generation device LD is disposed below the pattern area PA of the
fourth adhesive layer AL4. The light generation device LD may be a
device that generates a UV light.
[0146] The pattern area PA of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be
cured by the UV light which is output from the light generation
device LD. In one embodiment, for example the fourth adhesive layer
AL4 may be cured by heat.
[0147] The light generation device LD may cure the pattern area PA
while covering the entire pattern area PA of the fourth adhesive
layer AL4 at a fixed location. In an alternative embodiment, the
light generation device LD may cure the pattern area PA of the
fourth adhesive layer AL4 by generating the UV light while moving
in a predetermined direction. The cured degree of the pattern area
PA of the fourth adhesive layer AL4 may be controlled by adjusting
conditions such as the intensity, wavelength, and temperature of
the UV light, which is output from the light generation device LD,
and the time of UV light irradiation.
[0148] Referring to FIGS. 10C and 10D, an uneven pattern UEP may be
formed after the pattern area PA of the fourth adhesive layer AL4
is cured by the light generation device LD. A support plate SP
including a first support plate SP1 and a second support plate SP2
is disposed on the lower surface of the fourth adhesive layer AL4
after the first mask MSK1 and the second mask MSK2 are removed. The
first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 are
coupled to the buffer film BF by the fourth adhesive layer AL4.
[0149] The first support plate SP1 may support the first
non-folding area NFA1 of the display module DM, and the second
support plate SP2 may support the second non-folding area NFA2 of
the display module DM.
[0150] The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2
may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction DR1. The
first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be
spaced apart from each other, corresponding to the folding area FA.
The first support plate SP1 may overlap a portion of the folding
area FA, and the second support plate SP2 may overlap a portion of
the folding area FA. In such an embodiment, the spaced distance in
the first direction DR1 between the first support plate SP1 and the
second support plate SP2 may be less than the width of the folding
area FA.
[0151] The uneven pattern UEP of the fourth adhesive layer AL4
includes a first uneven pattern UEP1, a second uneven pattern UEP2,
and a third uneven pattern UEP3. The first uneven pattern UEP1 (or
a first section of the uneven pattern UEP) may be in contact with a
portion of the first support plate SP1, and the second uneven
pattern UEP2 (or a second section of the uneven pattern UEP) may be
in contact with a portion of the second support plate SP2. The
adhesion surface area between the fourth adhesive layer AL4 and the
first and second support plates SP1 and SP2 may be substantially
reduced or minimized by the first uneven pattern UEP1 and the
second uneven pattern UEP2. The first uneven pattern UEP1, the
second uneven pattern UEP2, and the third uneven pattern UEP3 may
have a same shape as or different shapes from each other. The
shapes of the first uneven pattern UEP1, the second uneven pattern
UEP2, and the third uneven_J of the pattern generating device JG of
FIG. 10B.
[0152] The first support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2
are coupled to the fourth adhesive layer AL4, and thus a cover
panel CVP may be defined. The cover panel CVP may be coupled to the
bottom surface of the display module DM and support the bottom
surface of the display module DM.
[0153] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD2
according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11B
is an enlarged view of a folding area FA of a cover panel CVP2 of
FIG. 11A. FIG. 11C is a view illustrating, as an example, a state
in which the display device DD2 of FIG. 11A is in-folded with
respect to a first folding axis FX1.
[0154] In the display device DD2 of FIGS. 11A to 11C, the similar
components as those in the display device DD of FIGS. 8A to 8C are
designated by the same reference symbols, and any repetitive
detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0155] Referring to FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B, and FIG. 11C, in an
embodiment of the display device DD2, the cover panel CVP2 may
include a support plate SP and a fourth adhesive layer AL4. The
support plate SP is disposed on the bottom surface of a display
module DM. The support plate SP may be a metal plate. In one
embodiment, for example, the support plate SP may be a
stainless-steel plate. The strength of the support plate SP may be
greater than the strength of the display module DM.
[0156] The cover panel CVP2 further includes a buffer film BF and a
fifth adhesive layer AL5.
[0157] The fourth adhesive layer AL4 is disposed between the
support plate
[0158] SP and the display module DM. The fourth adhesive layer AL4
may be disposed corresponding to the entire bottom surface of the
display module DM. The support plate SP may be fixed to the buffer
film BF by the fourth adhesive layer AL4. The support plate SP may
be attached to the bottom surface of the buffer film BF by the
fourth adhesive layer AL4. The fourth adhesive layer AL4 and the
buffer film BF may be formed entirely on a folding area FA and
first and second non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2.
[0159] The support plate SP include a first support plate SP1 and a
second support plate SP2.
[0160] The upper surfaces of the first support plate SP1 and the
second support plate SP2 include a first uneven pattern UE1 and a
second uneven pattern UE2, respectively, in the folding area FA.
The first uneven pattern UE1 and the second uneven pattern UE2 have
a same shape as each other, but the embodiment of the invention is
not limited thereto. In an alternative embodiment, the first uneven
pattern UE1 and the second uneven pattern UE2 may have shapes
different from each other.
[0161] The first uneven pattern UE1 of the first support plate SP1
overlaps the fourth adhesive layer AL4. The second uneven pattern
UE2 of the second support plate SP2 overlaps the fourth adhesive
layer AL4. The first uneven pattern UE1 and the second uneven
pattern UE2 may have a sawtooth-like shape, which is formed in a
third direction DR3, so as to minimize the adhesion surface area
with the fourth adhesive layer AL4. The first uneven pattern UE1
and the second uneven pattern UE2 are not limited to the
sawtooth-like shape, and may be variously modified to have another
shape in which the adhesion surface area with the fourth adhesive
layer AL4 is reduced or minimized.
[0162] In a state in which the display device DD2 is unfolded, the
first uneven pattern UE1 of the first support plate SP1 and the
second uneven pattern UE2 of the second support plate SP2 are in
contact with the fourth adhesive layer AL4, as shown in FIG.
11B.
[0163] In a state in which the display device DD2 is in-folded with
respect to the first folding axis FX1, the first uneven pattern UE1
of the first support plate SP1 and the second uneven pattern UE2 of
the second support plate SP2 are spaced apart from the fourth
adhesive layer AL4,a shown in FIG. 11C.
[0164] The adhesion surface area between the fourth adhesive layer
AL4 and the first and second support plates SP1 and SP2 may be
minimized in the folding area FA by the first uneven pattern UE1 of
the first support plate SP1 and the second uneven pattern UE2 of
the second support plate SP2. Thus, when the display device DD2 is
in-folded with respect to the first folding axis FX1, the first
support plate SP1 and the second support plate SP2 may be easily
separated from the fourth adhesive layer AL4 in the folding area
FA.
[0165] According to embodiments of the invention, the durability
and display quality of the display panel may be improved.
[0166] The invention should not be construed as being limited to
the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete and will fully convey the concept of the invention to
those skilled in the art.
[0167] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by
the following claims.
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